Practical Pointers

• Avoid giving oral or written statements without permission from your lawyer.

• If someone from the other side approaches you concerning the accident, refer them to your lawyer.

• Keep all bills related to your claim in a safe place as this information will be used to prove your damages (medical expenses, prescription drugs and medicines, prosthetic devices, appliances, and anything else that you need to help you with your recovery). Track your out-of-pocket expenses very carefully.

• Notifications from other parties regarding trial or hearing dates (civil or criminal) should be referred to your lawyer immediately.

• Avoid filling out any papers or documents without the permission of your lawyer.

• Maintain any evidence that comes into your possession which may be used in your case in a safe place (pictures, defective machinery, glasses, articles of clothing, etc.).

• Take photographs of all motor vehicles, machinery, appliances, intersections, and bodily injuries immediately following an accident. Lawyers often hire professional photographers to do this work for the client. Failure to act with urgency regarding this issue will result in the loss of valuable information and evidence.

• Keep a diary of all matters concerning the accident no matter how trivial you think it may be. Generally, it is a good idea to cover treatments, physical therapies, hospitalizations, symptoms, recurrences, setbacks, disabilities, day to day activities, and what you notice about yourself since the accident. Be sure to consult with your lawyer regarding the propriety of certain information.

• Keep your lawyer notified at all times with respect to any changes in address, telephone number, medical treatment, medical discharge, and any other unusual circumstances and/or changes in your life.

The Law Offices of David L. Salgado, P.C., is a personal injury and workers' compensation law firm located in Chicago & Western Suburbs. Our clients come from the Chicago metropolitan area, and surrounding suburbs such as Addison, Aurora, Batavia, Bolingbrook, Lockport, Naperville, Oswego, etc.